MY WORK OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN FOCUSES ON FOOD SYSTEMS POLICY AND OCEAN ADVOCACY
Food has the power to nourish communities, heal ecosystems, and inspire meaningful change. My advocacy work centers on sustainable food systems, climate resilience, and ocean conservation—using my platform as a chef to influence policy, support scientific innovation, and champion food justice.
I’ve contributed to numerous initiatives and organizations, including the Chefs’ Manifesto, Environmental Defense Fund, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, Smart Catch by the James Beard Foundation, and Chefs Collaborative, where I currently serve on the Board of Directors. Whether lobbying on Capitol Hill, cooking at World Food Day in Rome, or mentoring the next generation of chefs, I remain deeply committed to protecting the future of food through collective action and chef-driven leadership.
Chefs Collaborative | Cultivating a Better Food System Together
My journey with Chefs Collaborative began more than a decade ago, and over the years it has grown into one of the most meaningful communities in my career. Today, I’m proud to serve on the organization’s Board of Directors, working alongside a national network of chefs who share a deep commitment to building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system.
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste | A Night of Film, Food, and Real Talk on Sustainability
I had the honor of MC’ing the official screening of this impactful documentary, which explores the global issue of food waste through the lens of chefs like Anthony Bourdain, Dan Barber, Massimo Bottura, Mario Batali, and Danny Bowien—all pushing for a more just, sustainable food future by transforming "scraps" into high-impact meals.
A Day for Change | LA Times Food Bowl at UCLA with Jonathan Gold
In May 2017, I had the honor of organizing and hosting A Day for Change, a chef-driven symposium at UCLA as part of the inaugural LA Times Food Bowl. This day-long gathering brought together chefs, food workers, students, and advocates to dig into the tough but necessary conversations around systemic change in the food system.
Eat These Fish! LA – A Celebration of Groundfish Recovery at Preux & Proper
At my restaurant Preux & Proper, I had the honor of curating and hosting Eat These Fish! LA—a multi-chef dinner that brought together culinary leaders, scientists, and advocates to celebrate one of the greatest comeback stories in U.S. fisheries: the recovery of California groundfish.
American Comfort Food Redefined | James Beard House Dinner with Chef Sammy Monsour
In one of the most memorable evenings of my career, I had the honor of hosting a collaborative chef dinner at the legendary James Beard House in New York City. The theme for the night: American Comfort Food Redefined—a tribute to the nostalgic dishes we grew up loving, reimagined through the lens of sustainability, seasonality, and craftsmanship.